Applications now open for RAC Arena’s 2027 Limelight Music Support Fund
For the fifth consecutive year, RAC Arena is giving local musicians the chance to step into the spotlight with the return of Limelight, a Western Australian only music support fund presented by RAC Arena with the support of West Australian Music (WAM).
For the fifth consecutive year, RAC Arena is giving local musicians the chance to step into the spotlight with the return of Limelight, a Western Australian only music support fund presented by RAC Arena with the support of West Australian Music (WAM).
Continuing the venue’s proud commitment to supporting homegrown talent, Limelight supports the winning Western Australian act, and two runner-ups, with financial, performance and promotional opportunities over the course of the year.
First introduced in 2022 as part of the Arena’s 10th anniversary celebrations, WA rising stars Boox Kid, Elianie, Ghost Care, Alter Boy, Angie Colman, Riley Pearce, Those Who Dream, Anna Schneider, GIA COMO and The Kickons (pictured) have all received support from the initiative.
RAC Arena General Manager Michael Scott added, “RAC Arena might welcome some of the world’s biggest artists to our stage, but supporting the extraordinary talent being created right here in Western Australia is just as important to us. “Limelight is about backing WA artists and giving them opportunities to grow, connect with new audiences and take their work further. Seeing what our past recipients have gone on to achieve makes us incredibly proud, and we’re excited to discover who comes through in 2027.”
One talented musician or music group will be awarded the main package worth over $30,500, with two runner-ups receiving financial and promotional support valued at $3,000 each.
The main prize includes:
- $5,000 financial assistance and promotional support via RAC Arena
- A live performance opportunity at Telethon 2027
- PR and music distribution package thanks to G.Y.R.O.
- Social media content production package thanks to Birdhouse Media
- Radio campaign thanks to Nova Entertainment
- Recording studio time and rehearsal space thanks to Vision Studios
- Performance opportunity in the 2027 WAM Showcase line-up and weekend pass to WAMCon 2027 thanks to West Australian Music.
Emerging WA musicians aged 18 and older are invited to apply from 2-16 November, outlining their goals for 2027, and how the fund will assist them in achieving this outcome.
The 2025 winners will be selected by a panel of industry professionals, including RAC Arena’s Michael Scott, WAM’s CEO Owen Whittle, TEG Touring promoter Steph Wong, award-winning journalist and editor of The Sunday Times Magazine, STM, Nathanael Cooper, and beloved RTRFM producer and presenter Pamela Boland.
Last year's major prize winner, electronic indie-pop artist Boox Kid (Jarred Wall), says the recognition has been instrumental in helping grow his career: Boox Kid said, “The Limelight grant has been a great boost for me in contributing to the release of my debut album 'Kalyakoorl' (meaning 'Always' in Noongar language).”
“This project is incredibly special with the album being a blend of English and Noongar language. It's a pop album sonically, but touches on various themes inclusive of Culture, Connection to Country and the healing this brings. It also aids in the preservation of language, so I feel proud that RAC Arena has been a part of this journey and supported my artistry and vision,” he added.
WAM’s CEO, Owen Whittle says, “WAM's partnership with RAC Arena for Limelight is continuing to showcase the exceptional music talent that our state has.
While it’s always impossible to choose from the many incredible applicants, the winner and runners up are well developed local artists who we look forward to showcasing to the West Australian public.”
To enter the Limelight music support fund for 2027, head to RAC Arena’s website www.racarena.com.au. Applications close at 8am AWST on Monday, 16 November 2026 and the winner of Limelight will be announced in early December 2026.
